Bear Sanctuary and Dracula's Castle, 1-day Private Tour

Bucharest , Romania

Bear Sanctuary and Dracula's Castle, 1-day Private Tour

Active

(19 reviews)

11h - 13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into the heartwarming world of Bear Sanctuary, a haven for rescued bears nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. Witness the transformation of once-captive bears as they roam free in vast natural enclosures. Experience compassion in action, where every visit supports their rehabilitation. Join us in creating a better future for these magnificent creatures.

Discover the mystique of Bran Castle, perched atop the Carpathian Mountains. Renowned as "Dracula's Castle," it combines medieval history with Gothic charm. Wander through secret passages, explore eerie chambers, and absorb the breathtaking views. Unveil the truth behind the legend in this iconic fortress, where history and myth converge.

Please note: between 31st Oct - 1st Apr, Bran Castle is closed on Mondays

Available options

Bear Sanctuary and Dracula's Castle, 1-day Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Certified local English-speaking guide

Comfortable SUV/car or minivan transportation

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

The day will start early as we want to enjoy the best tour of the Sanctuary and see bears having their breakfast. The visit will take approx. 1 hour and you can take as many pictures as you want with your mobile phone. During the tour, you will hear the happy ending story of many bears who were rescued from unimaginable conditions they had to endure for years.

Stop 2

Second on our list is the famous Dracula's Castle. It was built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights and then strengthened by the Saxons in the following century. The fortress was overseeing the border between Wallachia and Transylvania during the entire medieval period. After the Great Union, in 1918, the fortress was offered as a gift to Queen Mary and remained in the property of the Romanian Royal Family ever since.

What's not included

Meals

Other personal expenses/gifts/souvenirs

Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please note that the Bear Sanctuary visit takes approx. 1h, involving hill climbing on dirt road.

Comfortable shoes (trekking sneakers or boots) and mountain clothes are recommended.

Visiting Bran Castle requires a slope climbing and several floor.

About Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a vibrant city known for its blend of historic architecture and modern development. With a rich cultural scene, lively nightlife, and significant historical landmarks, it offers a unique experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Palace of the Parliament

One of the largest administrative buildings in the world, a symbol of communist architecture and power.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €7-10

Old Town (Lipscani)

The historic center of Bucharest, filled with charming streets, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.

Historical/Cultural Half-day Free to explore

Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

An open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with authentic houses and buildings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €3-5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, rice, and spices, usually served with polenta and sour cream

Main Course Contains meat and gluten

Mămăligă

Polenta made from cornmeal, often served with cheese, sour cream, or meat dishes

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Ciorbă

A sour soup made with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or fish, often served with a boiled egg and sour cream

Soup Can be vegetarian or with meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Carpathian Mountains Skiing in Poiana Brașov Spa treatments Strolling through Herăstrău Park Visiting museums and art galleries Attending classical concerts at the Romanian Athenaeum Boating on Lake Herăstrău Skiing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with the most outdoor activities and festivals. However, it can be crowded with tourists.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Romanian
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Romanian Leu (RON)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET), GMT+3 (EEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Bucharest is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious at night and avoid poorly lit streets.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Henri Coandă International Airport • 16.7 km (10.4 miles) from city center
Aurel Vlaicu International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Gara de Nord, Băneasa

By bus

Autogara Nord, Autogara Sud

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and affordable. The metro system is the fastest way to get around Bucharest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Lipscani) Dorobanți Cotroceni

Day trips

Peleș Castle

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A stunning neo-Renaissance castle nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, once the summer residence of the Romanian royal family.

Bran Castle

160 km (100 miles) • Full day

A medieval fortress often associated with Dracula, offering a glimpse into Romania's rich history and folklore.

Sinaia

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A beautiful mountain town known for its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) • April George Enescu Festival • September Bucharest Pride • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden gems and local culture
Use public transport or walk to get a sense of the city's rhythm and avoid traffic
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds